Trump’s Tariff Claims and the Complex Reality of U.S.-India Trade Relations
President Trump claims India offered zero tariffs on U.S. goods, but Indian officials say trade talks remain complex and far from finalized.
India-U.S. Trade Tensions Surface Amid Conflicting Statements
In a recent Fox News interview, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that India had agreed to remove all tariffs on American imports. The statement caught attention globally, suggesting a major diplomatic shift between the two countries.
However, India’s Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar quickly pushed back on the narrative, clarifying that no such deal had been finalized.
“These are complicated negotiations. Nothing is decided until everything is. Any trade deal must be mutually beneficial.”
— S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, India
Trump’s Narrative: A Push to Dismantle Global Trade Barriers
Trump framed India as one of the most protectionist markets globally, stating:
“They make it almost impossible to do business. Do you know they’re willing to cut 100% of their tariffs for the United States?”
Despite the dramatic statement, Trump also said he wasn’t in a hurry to close a deal:
“That’ll come soon. I’m in no rush. Look, everybody wants to make a deal with us.”
This ambiguity reflects Trump’s negotiating style — mixing bold claims with flexible timelines — especially ahead of key tariff decisions in July.
India’s Cautious Response: No Final Deal Yet
India’s stance remained measured. Minister Jaishankar emphasized that all elements must be finalized together:
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Any agreement must work for both countries
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Negotiations remain ongoing and sensitive
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No unilateral promises have been confirmed
Trump Hints at Parallel Talks with Pakistan
Adding a geopolitical layer, Trump referenced Pakistan — India’s longtime rival — as a potential trade partner.
“I’m using trade to settle scores and make peace.”
He cited the Wagah border ceasefire agreement as an example of regional cooling and suggested that diplomacy and trade were now interlinked in U.S. strategy.
China Deal as Strategic Comparison
Trump also brought up the recent trade adjustments with China as a sign of success:
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U.S. tariffs dropped from 145% to 30%
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China reduced tariffs from 125% to 10%
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Talks continue to normalize bilateral trade
“If I didn’t do that deal with China, I think China would have broken apart,” he said.
These comparisons were likely meant to position Trump’s approach as effective — even if controversial — in shifting global trade dynamics.
Sources and References
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